Here we are only 16 days away from Thanksgiving. How is your planning going? I hope that you are using all the great information we are sharing with you here during this fun countdown!

Today, let’s talk about the actual shopping process. Right now is a good time to be clipping coupons on things like cranberry sauce, gravy mix, canned goods, and things that you will serve during Thanksgiving. In fact, I noticed at coupons.com that they even have some coupons that are $1.00 off certain brands of turkey and ham, so go by there and print those off. They also have coupons right now for cresent rolls, icing, cookie dough, Bird’s Eye frozen vegetables, and more. These could definitely come in handy.

Some things I have learned when I am going shopping during the holidays is to go shopping by myself. Now this is not always possible, but if it is, try to go by yourself. This way, little hands are not tempted to keep asking for things and you can stay focused on the task at hand.

Another thing that helps is to take your list! I never go into a grocery store without a list. If I do, I find myself buying things that I would not normally purchase, so take your list and stick to it!

Here are the things that should be accomplished next week. Thanks to Ocean Spray for putting all of these great Thanksgiving savers together!

 Week of November 15: Shopping

• Cut down on planning time by making one of our specialty menus. They have their own downloadable shopping lists with everything you need.
• Shop for non-perishables.
• Study your recipes. Make three grocery lists:
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    • First, make a list of all non-perishable items that can be purchased this week to avoid the busy stores next week. Some staples you might need: flour, sugar, cornmeal, butter, eggs, canned cranberry sauces, fresh cranberries, juices, salt, peppercorns, dried seasonings, frozen vegetables, maple syrup, stuffing mixtures, nuts, etc.
    • Prepare a list of purchases for Thanksgiving week, such as perishables.
    •  The third list should be for anything that needs to be picked up the day before, such as a fresh turkey, breads, pies or flowers.

Next week, as we grow closer to Thanksgiving, we will offer day-to-day reminders of what you actually need to accomplish!